April 9, 2004

Box Score

Towson, Md. - Senior Abby Giancola struck a goal with 56 seconds left in regulation to enable the #17 Towson University (9-2, 3-0) to recover from an 8-5 second half deficit at the 18:35 mark en route to an 11-10 Colonial Athletic Association win over #20 George Mason University (3-5, 1-2) on Friday evening at Johhny Unitas Stadium.

The Tigers, who are undefeated (9-0) while playing at Johhny Unitas Stadium, have amassed an impressive 9-2 record for the first time since the 1980 season. Last week the Tigers were ranked nationally for the first time since 1997 as they entered the IWLCA Top 20 Poll at the #17 spot.

During a fierce first half, the Patriots got on the board (26:14) first but Towson answered back with a 4-0 run over the next five minutes, including a pair of goals by senior Stephanie Howell to take a 4-1 lead. George Mason struck back with a pair of goals by juniors Kristy Manas (Harwood, Md./Southern) at 19:47 and Jeannine Ohler (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) at 17:01, respectively, before the Tigers received a goal by Becky Trumbo (Elderesburg, Md./Liberty) at the 9:38 mark (5-3). The Patriots would hit Towson with another pair of goals in the next six minutes to tie the game at 5-5 at intermission.

Much like the first half, the Patriots scored first in the second stanza as they tallied three consecutive goals to own an 8-5 lead with 18:35 left in on the clock. But a goal by freshman Shannon Witzel ignited a 4-0 run by the Tigers as they recovered from the three-goal deficit and took back the lead at 4:23 (9-8). Fighting to the end, the Patriots tied the game again as Ohler got one past Towson off of a free position (2:09). With 1:53 left in the game, Amy Middleton then claimed a critical draw control for Towson, off of which Giancola scored an unassisted goal and lifted the Tigers to an 11-9 margin. George Mason's sophomore Kate Scott (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) scored off of a free position attempt with 22 seconds left in the period, however the Tigers held on the final 11-10 decision.

Sophomore Becky Trumbo led the Tigers with three goals and one assist while Witzel netted a hat trick in the win. Sophomore Sarah Bryant (Fairfax Station, Va./W.T. Woodson), Scott and Ohler led a balanced scoring effort for George Mason with two goals apiece.

Senior goalkeeper, Jessica O'Connell posted her seventh game in a row with double-digit saves as she stopped 10 shots for the Tigers. Junior Meg Dentler (Crofton, Md./ Arundel) had 11 saves for the Patriots.

Game Summary:
Towson 5-6 - 11
George Mason 5-5 - 10

Goals: Towson - Becky Trumbo (3), Shannon Witzel (3), Stephanie Howell (2), Caitlin Marshall, Amy Middleton , Abby Giancola; George Mason - Sarah Bryant (2), Kate Scott (2), Jeannine Ohler (2), Lisa Hagan, Melissa Venturi, Stacy Berger, Kristy Manas

Assists: Towson - Kelly Fitgerald, Stephanie Howell, Amy Middleton, Becky Trumbo; George Mason - Sarah Bryant, Lisa Hagan, Tracy Waterson